Shelf Life of Sangster's Rum Cream

I bought two bottles of Sangster's Rum Cream in 2003 while on a cruise that stopped in Jamaica, The seals are still intact. Are they ok to drink

ANSWER: by R. Phang

Hi Ted,

How is it going?

You know, I just love me some Sangster Jamaican Rum cream. This drink is my ‘go to’ liquor whenever I feel like having a drink, and that’s not often, I’m a social drinking if I may add.

J Wray and Nephew and Company Ltd produce and distributes some, if not most of the best alcoholic beverages to come from the Caribbean. In my opinion Sangster’s Rum cream is probably the manliest liqueur to be made.

Truth be told Sangster’s rum cream doesn’t last long in many of the households here in Jamaica.

We tend to share or rum based liqueur and liquor with family and friends as good will.

To answer your question, I have done some research and wasn’t sure that I was getting accurate information online.

So I took it upon myself to contact the manufacturer themselves and asked about the shelf life.

What they told me was a surprise!

Their guideline is that the shelf life is only for one year; I laughed! I found it funny that after all these years and I’m talking years as far back as my parents were kids, it had that short of a shelf life. But then with that great taste and creamy savoury flavour I can’t fuss too much about it, as I’ve mentioned earlier it doesn’t last too long within our homes.

However, next time around what you can do is to check and see if the cream has been separated from the rum (curd) or check for discoloration.

If none of that is visible, you can just tip a finger in the bottle and taste. You should be able to tell the difference in creamy fluid (unless it would be your first time trying this Jamaican beverage; if it has a thick texture, pungent smell and sour taste, you have just lost a bottle of goodness).

Going forward, be sure to purchase a new bottle and enjoy it prior to its expiration. They are now available in fun to go sizes and there are also other rum creams, rums, wines, and champagnes to sample from the makers. All of which are available at your nearest Jamaican mart or any major supermarket in your area.

Most importantly always remember to drink responsibly and in good company (wink. wink)!

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